( ) Set manuscript aside for at least 3 months to give yourself some space from it.

( ) Bite nails because you want to take it out again.

( ) Write other things.

( ) You’ll be okay.

Phase 5: Final draft

( ) Take it out again and read it.

( ) Edit as necessary.

( ) Victory!

( ) Have a banana split!

Phase 6: Agents & publishers

( ) Write query letter – get feedback.

( ) Find the perfect agent.

( ) Celebrate! Pizza! Ice cream! Banana split!

( ) Find the perfect publisher.

( ) Have something better than pizza and a banana split. Wait… Is that a thing!?!

Aaaaaaand repeat!

Newest Story

The rain here is clear as anywhere but likes to awaken the dormant algae growing invisible on every surface. The shuttle-pad is already shimmering purple when my baby brother gets his boots wet. I stand inside the shuttleport, watching Isaac slosh about like the ten-year-old he was when I left. He uses his cane to swirl the water while I try a little not to laugh, and mostly not to cry.